{% include "includes/auth/janrain/signIn_traditional.html" with message='It looks like you are already verified. If you still have trouble signing in, you probably need a new confirmation link email.' %}

Miami Dolphins’ DeVante Parker: I have ‘connection’ with Jay Cutler

Miami Dolphins’ DeVante Parker pulls in a pass against Philadelphia Eagles’ Ronald Darby during the first half of a preseason NFL football game Thursday in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Michael Perez)

PHILADELPHIA — There’s a sly grin on the face of Miami Dolphins wide receiver DeVante Parker that lets you realize he thinks there will be more of these 72-yard-or-so catches from Jay Cutler this season.

There’s a sly grin that lets you know that Parker digs the long ball and he senses Cutler digs it, too.

“He likes to throw it deep whenever he has the chance,” Parker said after a preseason loss to the Eagles. “He likes tall receivers and likes guys who can go up and get the ball.”

It is clear that Parker (two catches for 78 yards) has emerged as a favorite target, perhaps the favorite target, of Cutler.

Simply put, Cutler seems more than willing to sling-shot cannonballs in the direction of Parker and see what’s what.

“I feel like during practice that (Cutler) just wanted to launch it up one time and see what happens and he did and I came down with it,” Parker said. “Hopefully I can continue this connection with him.”

Parker feels like Cutler is going to be good for him. Cutler feels the same.

After the game, someone asked Cutler if he had aimed for Parker’s left shoulder on a 72-yard completion. And Cutler, as you might expect, just sort of shrugged off the concept of specificity.

“Just kind of throw it out there,” Cutler said. “You just don’t want to overthrow him.”

Earlier this week Cutler compared Parker to Alshon Jeffery, the Eagles receiver who played with Cutler in Chicago.

Parker considers it a compliment.

“I feel good about it,” he said. “(Jeffery) is a good receiver and he makes plays. He is a great receiver and I like that comparison from (Cutler).”